Ryan Seacrest will return to host American Idol for its 24th season, ABC has officially confirmed. The announcement ends speculation about his future on the show after he was absent from an early promotional teaser for the upcoming series. The new season is not scheduled to air until 2026.
Seacrest has hosted the singing competition since its debut in 2002, initially alongside Brian Dunkleman before becoming the sole host from the second season. The programme moved from Fox to ABC in 2018. In addition to his Idol duties, Seacrest has hosted Wheel of Fortune since September 2024, succeeding Pat Sajak, and has presented Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve since 2005.
Auditions for the 2026 season are currently under way through the "Idol Across America" search, with virtual auditions taking place across all 50 states and open calls in cities around the country. Singers who impress at the open call earn an in-person audition in front of judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Those receiving a golden ticket advance to the next round, commonly known as Hollywood Week.
Carrie Underwood, who joined the judging panel in 2024, replaced Katy Perry. She is one of several former winners, including Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, and Fantasia Barrino, who found success after appearing on the show. Other notable contestants who did not win, such as Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, and Chris Daughtry, also built substantial careers.
American Idol remains a strong ratings performer for ABC, with the 2025 season averaging approximately 7.3 million cross-platform viewers over five weeks. In May, Jamal Roberts, a physical education teacher from Mississippi, was crowned the season 23 winner after securing the majority of 26 million votes cast.
